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Nonprofit In Her Presence celebrated its 10th anniversary with a 420-person gala March 13 at Westin Portland Harborview that raised over $131,000 to continue lifting up immigrant women through education. “What a wonderful turnout tonight,” said Anne Hallward, a practicing psychiatrist in Portland. “I think so many of us are looking for a way to support this community, and this is one way.
” Gala guests shopped at a pop-up African market, bid on African-inspired original artwork and enjoyed the exhilarating rhythms of the Batimbo United Burundi drummers. “I have never seen such a generous and immediate response to a fundraiser as we have seen for this event,” said board chair Lucky Hollander. “I’m taken back by how many of you said you were donating and attending this event and wished you could do more.
” In Her Presence offers a mother-centric English language program underpinned by cultural competency, confidence-building and career counseling and networking. “When I first transitioned to the USA from Burundi in 2011, I had no one to help me read English, navigate daily life or even order a cup of coffee,” said Executive Director Claudette Ndayininahaze, who founded In Her Presence with Congolese immigrant Micky Bondo in 2015. “Our experience with all of this — the struggles and the frustration — became the spark that ignited In Her Presence.
We needed to create a space where women could find confidence, relationships and a true sense of belonging, where women could lift each other up.” Under the leadership of Ndayininahaze and Bondo, what started as one yoga class for immigrant women has grown to 22 English classes and a constellation of programs and services for the immigrant community. From a Cultural Doula program and swimming classes for seniors to job counseling and leadership training, In Her Presence transforms lives and strengthens community connections.
“In Her Presence is a big help for us,” said Lidia Cassinda Sipitali, an Angolan immigrant with dreams of becoming a nurse’s aide. “We are new here and we need to know many things about living in the United States.” Becky Pride of Falmouth is one of several volunteer English instructors who model practical skills like how to call a doctor about a sick baby, register a child for school or interview for a job.
“These women teach us so much about joy, courage, endurance and hope,” she says. In 2023, In Her Presence began managing a transitional home for 14 pregnant immigrant women and their young children. And in 2024, the nonprofit’s Find a Job support program helped 31 people secure full-time employment.
“There are many creative ways to get involved,” said Celine Frueh, who, as human resources director at Allagash Beer Company, has offered internships to immigrants. “It really transforms your perspective.” Other event sponsors included Maine Community Bank, Androscoggin Bank, John T.
Gorman Foundation, Northern Light Health, Clark Insurance and Shutterbugs4Charity. Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at amyparadysz@gmail.
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